Genetic Engineering Central Dogma of Genetics source: https://ib.bioninja.com.au/ GENETIC ENGINEERING P PROF. BANJIE SARMIENTO Lesson Objectives: 1. Outline the processes involved in genetic engineering 2. Discuss the application of Recombinant DNA Technology (rDNA) What are GMOs? source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/campbell-soup-major-company-list-gmo-ingredients-nationwide/story?id=36173389 9 rDNA Technology • replacement of genes • is a method used in genetic engineering to manipulate an organism’s DNA. • “ joining together of DNA molecules from different organisms and inserting it into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry.” (Encyclopedia Britannica,2020) What are GMOs? • result of technology that has altered the DNA of living organisms (animals, plants, bacteria) Other terms: • GM seeds • Transgenic • Biotech seeds • Biotechnology • Genetic modification Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/322781498294224842/ How are GMOs created? QUESTIONS: 1. Why did scientists develop GM papayas? 2. What problem was solved? 3. What are the four steps in creating a GM papaya? General Steps in Creating a GMO: 1. Identification of the organism that contains the desired gene 2. Extraction of the entire DNA from the organism 3. Removal of the desired gene with the use of a restriction enzyme that cuts the DNA from a specific nucleotide sequence 4. Insertion of the new gene to another organism Frayer Model Seatwork: Based on the figure, answer the following questions: 1. What is the vector of the engineered gene? (1 pt) 2. Why is BT corn beneficial to farmers? (3 pts) 3. Discuss the three requirements to make a genetically engineered corn. (6 pts) Requirements for genetic engineering: 1. DNA sequence that codes for a desired trait 2. Vector to transfer the DNA sequence into another genome 3. Genome of the target species How does this differ from Mendel and his peas? Selective breeding -slow -imprecise -involves modification of genes which naturally occur in the organism Genetic engineering -very fast -precise -can introduce genes into an organism that would not occur naturally! Next Lesson: Assignments: Video link: https://www.ted.com/talks/pamela_ronald_the_case_for_engin eering_our_food?language=en Questions (individual): 1.List three products of rDNA technology and their corresponding benefits. 2. How does it feel that Dr. Pamela Roland, a plant geneticist, is married to an organic farmer? Do their philosophies complement each other or do they contradict each other? Explain. 3. Should we continue to receive assistance from western scientists regarding GMOs or are we better left alone? Explain. Reading Assignment (by pair): Article Title: Torn at the Genes: One Family’s Debate Over Genetically Altered Plants link: https://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/files/torn_genes.pdf) Answer the ten questions embedded in the link. Role of rDNA Technology in Improving Life source: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijg/2016/2405954/ 29 source: teachengineering.org 30 Other applications • Potato - modified to produce a beetle killing toxin • Yellow squash – modified to contain to viral genes that resistant the most common viral diseases • Develop foods that contain vaccines and antibodies that offer valuable protection against diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and malaria • Canola – modified to resist one type of herbicide or pesticide Benefits of Genetic Engineering and Modifying 1. Higher yielding crops, more efficient use of land 2. Can save money and promote higher profits 3. Longer shelf life, less waste Example: Tomatoes from genetically modified seeds stay fresh longer. 4. Enhanced taste and quality 5. Reduced maturation time Benefits of Genetic Engineering and Modifying 6. Increased and improved nutrients and stress tolerance - A single gene genetically engineered into cauliflower can increase production of beta-carotene 100 times. - A gene can be implanted into a soybean upgrading the soy protein to a quality equal to that of milk. - Corn can be modified to contain its two limiting amino acids, lysine or tryptophan 7. Improved resistance to disease or illness - Foods can be enhanced with phytochemicals that help maintain health and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Benefits of GMOs..... 8. Improved crop resistance to disease, pests, weeds and herbicides 9. New products and growing techniques - “Individuals allergic to milk may be able to buy milk that has been treated with the lactase enzyme” (Whiney, 2002). - Creating decaffeinated coffee beans are in a process of research. Benefits of Genetic Engineering and Modifying • Society – Increased food security for growing populations and growth challenges (Human Genome Project Information (2003), http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human _Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml) Risks associated with Genetic Modification 1. Safety – Potential human health implications. – Potential environmental impact. • Out-crossing – Inevitable out-crossing of transgenic plants with naturally occurring ones. – Creation of super-weeds – Creation of biological weapons. 2. Access and Intellectual Property – Domination of world food production by a few companies and developing countries. Risks associated with Genetic Modification – cont. 3. Ethics – “Playing God” – Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species. 4. Labeling – Not mandatory in some countries (e.g., Canada and the United States). – Mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds labeling attempts. 5. Society – New advances may be skewed to the interests of rich countries. (Human Genome Project Information (2003), http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml) https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2013/11/two-tons-of-pig-parts-making-insulin-in-the-1920s.html
